Dodge City times. [volume] (Dodge City, Kan.) 1876-1892, 1887-12-22
TEMPERANCE.
A" BIT OF FUN"

There is no lovelier village in the
Empire State than Franconia though
this is not its real name. neither shall
1 give the real names of the charac-
tiers who will figure in the following
story. though they are real people and
yet upon the stage Of action.
II am SO sorry, mother, that Mary
is so deceived in young Morton" said
Henry Golding. as he came into Mrs.
Golding's pleasant parlor. one sum-
mer evening.
What do you mean. my son?" asked
the mother. looking up from her sew
ing. II had always supposed that
Mr.. Morton was q gentleman. He
certainly belongs to one of our best
families"
THAT is true, mother dear. but this
gentleman of 'one of our first fami-
lies is at this very moment half-drunk
at the hotel and acting like fool"
"OHarry! are you not misinformed?"
said the mother, looking up with hor-
ritied expression.
my eyes do not deceive me, mother"
the son replied. Il have known Nor
tons failing for long time. but Mary
is as firm rs rock. She will not be-
lievc any thing to the prejudice of her
lover"
Mrs. G siding was sorely troubled.
"Drur. kenncss is such shameful
vice." shb said. when a man once
degrades himself so much. what can
restore him? To think of our sweet
Mary drunkard's wife. Oh! l can
not, can not bear it." And the tears
fell plentifully.
"Do not distress yourself, mother"
said the young man. Perhaps We
can save her."
"Sister Molly" he called up the
stairway, for Mary was writing in her
room. Wont you please come and
walk with your poor. tired brother
this evening? The moon will soon be
up. and the air is delightful.
..Yes, Harry, l will come" said the
young girl, tripping down the stairs
with scarf thrown lightly about her
shoulders. poor boy! He confines
himself too closely to business.
The brother and sister sauntered
slowly down the village street.
The moonlight is so beautiful upon
the water, sister. We will 60 down to
the riverside. See. Luna is just peep
ing above the tree-tops. How beauti-
full"
But something else just then at
tracted Mary Golding's attention.
They were passing. the hotel. and
she heard her lovers voice amid the
drunken clamor which filled the air.
Could that be Clarence?
In the glare of the light she could
see distinctly a tall. graceful young
man tossing glass after glass of brandy
down his throat. She heard profane
and ribald words, such as she had
never heard before, spoken in his we'll
known voice. 20 Harry! do You see?
Do you hear?" she gasped, clutching
his arm for support. ''Merciful
Heaven! can that be Clarence Nor
ton?"
'.My dear sister, this is no new
thing" said her brother. clasping his
arm about her. Il have seen this too
often to be surprised. Poor Clarence!
What can he be thinking of to destroy
himself?'
"And not only that. but do you see
the young men about him? l am sor-
ry, dear brother, but must go home"
And Mary Golding turned her steps
homcward.
The moonlight upon the waters was
forgotten, and Harry Golding was sing
ing a glad TIE Deum in his heart that
ut last his loved sister saw her lover as
others saw him.
A tall, broad-shouldered young man
passed them as they walked silently
along.
"Whither away. Barton? An arm
full of books, as usual" said Henry
Golding. DO you never rest?"
Never before l am weary" replied
the young man. bowling respectfully to
Miss Mary. Il hope to graduate this
term"
"A splendid young man." said Henry
Golding to his sister when Mr.. Barton
had passed out of hearing. He will
make his mark in the world"
But Mary's heart was too full to heed
her brothers words.
The studious young man had shown
her marked attentions, but her heart
had been pre-occupied and she scarcely
knew him.
Clarence Morton was greatly aston
ished when, at his next visit to his be-
trothed wife. she gave him back his
ring. saying:
''All is ended between us. Isaw you
last evening at the hotel"
He knew too well that rcmons STRANGE
or entreaty was useless. and left grOwl-
ing that it was 'deuced hard if a
young fellow couldn't have a bit of
fun"
The .'bit of fun lasted through
Clarence Morton's worthless life, and
he died unlamented and scarcely
known, while the penniless young stu
dent has been for years one of the lead
ing citizens of Franconia Mary Gold
ing has for more than score of years
been the happy wife of Judge Barton.
and has never ceased to be grateful for
the success of her brothers stratagem.